Colombian MusicWhether it's Shakira's latest chart-topping single or a trio of Vallenato singers on a beach, Colombian music plays an integral role in Colombian life.Colombia has an enormous diversity of sounds and rhythms most of which have a strong connection to a particular area of the country. Colombian music can be divided into 4 main regions; the Caribbean (or Atlantic) coast, the Pacific Coast, the Andes, and the Plains.
Caribbean CoastBy far the most popular rhythm on the Caribbean coast of Colombia is Vallenato, a class of music in which the accordion plays a central role.
Vallenato can now be heard all over Colombia, but it originates from the north of the department of Cesar, in and around its capital city of Valledupar. The famous Vallenato Festival, held annually in April, takes place in Valledupar. Another of the Caribbean coast's traditional styles of music is Cumbia. Cumbia uses principally percussion instruments and a setting known as Chirimia. Among the most famous Cumbia songs are "Colombia; Tierra Querida", "La Poyera Colora" and "La Piragua". Champeta is one of the more modern rhythms on the Caribbean coast. It was founded in Cartagena and has its origins in reggae and ragga. It is very sensual of music and the style of dance which accompanies it is extremely sexy. Porro is a type of music similar to Cumbia. "La Llorona" and "El Porro Sabanero" are two of the most well-known songs. Other rhythms which can be found on the Caribbean coast include Bullerengue, Chande, Puya and Merecumbe (a blend of Merengue and Cumbia). Pacific CoastThe Pacific coast of Colombia has its own distinct sound.
Another popular style of music found on the Pacific coast is Currulao. It is a fast paced folkloric rythym that is also strongly linked to Afro-Colombian culture. The most famous Currulao song is "Mi Buenaventura". AndesThe central Andean region of Colombia is also home to numerous varieties of Colombian music. Bambuco is a slow, melancholic style of music which originates from the Muisca Indians. "El Bojotico" is a well-known Bambuco song. Pasillo is a musical style that is a type of Waltz. Jorge Villamil is arguably the most famous Pasillo composer and his 1962 song "Espumas" is particularly recognised. Other popular styles of music in the Andes include Criolla, Guasca, and Guabina (particularly popular in the departments of Cundinamarca, Boyaca and Santander). Los LlanosLos Llanos (the Eastern Plains of Colombia) is home to a wonderful style of music called Joropo.
Joropo is fast and is incredibly difficult to dance to requiring quick movement of the feet and Waltz turns. Alfurno Briceno's "Ay mi Llanura" is the most famous Joropo song and has become an unofficial anthem for the Los Llanos region. 
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